Tennis League Rules & Regulations

Seasons & Divisions

• Seasons: The league operates on seasonal cycles with defined start and end dates
• Divisions: Players are organized into divisions based on skill level (USTA ratings)
• Division Types: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, Mixed Doubles
• Capacity: Each division has minimum and maximum player limits. The minimum number of players is required to start a division
• Regional Restrictions: Seasons and divisions are regionally bound. Only players from the specified region (based on ZIP code) can register for regional divisions

Registration Requirements

• Skill Level: Players must register for divisions appropriate to their USTA rating
• Registration Period: Sign-ups are open until the season start date
• Withdrawal: Players may withdraw from divisions before the season begins
• ZIP Code Requirement: Your ZIP code determines which regional leagues you can join. Only players from the specified region can register for regional divisions

No Waitlist System

The league does not maintain a traditional waitlist. If a division is full or you don't see a division for your skill level, you can request additional options.

Requesting New Divisions

• Use the "Contact Us" form to request additional divisions to be created
• Request existing divisions to be expanded if possible
• Provide your skill level and preferred division type when making requests
• Administrators will review requests and create new divisions when feasible

Team Formation Options

• Create a Team: Register for a doubles division and create a team, then invite a partner
• Join Existing Team: Accept invitations from other players to join their team
• Team-Up Requests: Request to join an existing team that needs a partner
• Mixed Doubles: Teams must consist of one male and one female player
• Same-Gender Doubles: Teams must consist of two players of the same gender

Scheduling Algorithm

The league uses a round-robin algorithm to generate fair and balanced match schedules for all divisions.

Key Scheduling Principles

• Round-Robin Format: The league uses a round-robin algorithm to generate matches, though players may not play all other players due to limited weeks in the season
• Double Headers: In the final week, some players may have double headers to compensate for fewer total matches
• Match Count Variation: It's possible that one or two players will have 1 match less than others due to odd numbers of participants
• Flexible Reporting: There is no requirement to report match scores during their respective scheduled weeks
• Week Guidance: The weekly breakdown serves as guidance only - matches can be reported at any time within the season timeframe
• Season Boundaries: All matches must be completed and reported before the season end date

Match Structure

• Format: Best of 3 sets with standard tennis scoring
• Sets: First player to win 6 games with a 2-game advantage, or 7-5
• Tiebreaks: 7-point tiebreak at 6-6 in any set
• Scoring: Traditional tennis scoring (15, 30, 40, game)

Match Scheduling

• Regular Season: Matches are generated automatically at the start of the season
• Playoffs: Top 50% of players qualify for playoff brackets
• BYE Matches: Players may receive a bye in the first round if needed

Win by Default

When reporting match scores, you have access to special features for handling incomplete matches:

Win by Default Feature

• Use the "I Won by Default" button when your opponent doesn't show up for the match
• No sets need to be entered for default wins
• You receive full points for the match, your opponent receives 0 points
• This feature is available for both singles and doubles matches

Match Points

• Straight Sets Win (2-0): 3 points
• 3-Set Win (2-1): 2 points
• 3-Set Loss (1-2): 1 point
• Straight Sets Loss (0-2): 0 points

Standings Ranking System

The league uses a hybrid ranking system that ensures fair competition even when players have different numbers of matches scheduled:

Primary Ranking: Win Percentage

• Players are ranked by win percentage (wins ÷ matches played)
• Minimum Requirement: Players must have played at least 2 matches for win percentage to count
• Players with fewer than 2 matches are ranked by points earned
• This ensures fair comparison regardless of match count differences

Tiebreaker System

When players have the same win percentage, they are ranked by:

1. Points Earned: Total points from the 3-2-1-0 system (highest first)
2. Head-to-Head Record: Direct matchups between tied players (if they played each other)
3. Set Win Percentage: Sets won ÷ total sets played (highest first)
4. Games Won Percentage: Individual games won ÷ total games played (highest first)

Qualification Criteria

• Minimum Players: At least 2 players must complete the regular season
• Qualification: Top 50% of players qualify for playoffs
• Bracket Generation: Playoff brackets are generated automatically
• Seeding: Players are seeded based on regular season performance

Result Submission

• Score Entry: Match winners must enter detailed set scores
• Verification: Both players should verify results
• Deadline: Results must be submitted within 48 hours of match completion
• Disputes: Any score discrepancies should be resolved between players

Player Behavior

• Sportsmanship: All players must demonstrate good sportsmanship
• Fair Play: Honest score reporting is mandatory
• Respect: Players must respect opponents, officials, and league administrators
• Communication: Prompt communication regarding match scheduling and results

Getting Help

All inquiries must be submitted through the Contact Us form. This ensures proper tracking and timely response to your questions.

• Technical Issues: Submit app-related problems via the Contact Us form
• Rule Clarifications: Request rule interpretations through the Contact Us form
• Match Disputes: Report unresolved match conflicts via the Contact Us form
• General Questions: Submit all questions through the Contact Us form

These rules may be updated or amended by league administrators as needed. All players will be notified of any rule changes before they take effect. The most current version of these rules will always be available on this page.